Racquet Weight

ABSTRACT

A weight for a racquet includes a weight. The weight is joined at least partially to a joining portion of the racquet. A joining mechanism is also included. The joining mechanism is configured to join the weight at least partially to the joining portion of the racquet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/469,073 entitled “Heavy Racquet”, filed on 29 Mar. 2011,] under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to sports equipment. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to a racquet weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that swinging a weighted device to warm up and practice for sports that involve swinging objects such as, but not limited to, tennis, golf and baseball may help to build muscle memory, increase flexibility and improve ball speed. In general, tennis racquets have gotten lighter and lighter over the years and currently typical tennis racquets average approximately 11 oz. To obtain more weight, some players may swing two racquets to warm up. Other players may hit a lot of balls, which may result in wasting energy.

By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that some weighted devices are currently available for practicing swings. Some of these devices are made for sports other than tennis such as, but not limited to, golf and baseball. Some devices made for tennis include, without limitation, weighted objects that are swung by a user in the same manner as a tennis racquet. However, the user is typically not able to practice hitting balls with these types of devices. Other tennis devices may be placed around the handle of a racquet, which may cause the racquet to be off balance. Yet other devices that may be used with tennis racquets comprise housings that may be mounted to the frame of a tennis racquet into which weights may be placed.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an exemplary tennis racquet weight, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic side view, and FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic top view;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary tennis racquet weight installed on a tennis racquet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate an exemplary tennis racquet weight that fits on the outside of a tennis racquet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a top perspective view. FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic top view, and FIG. 3D is a diagrammatic side view.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a device to assist tennis players in their warm up before a match and during practice. Many embodiments are similar to that of heavy golf clubs that golfers warm up with or bat rings that baseball players sometimes use. Some embodiments may include a flexible silicone weight with a universal fit for most tennis racquets. The use of some embodiments on tennis racquets for warming up and practicing may result in building muscle memory, increasing flexibility and improving racquet and ball speed. Furthermore, many embodiments enable a user to hit balls with his racquet with the weighted device attached. In some embodiments, the device may be joined to a racquet including, but not limited to, a bat, a lacrosse stick, a tennis racquet, a badminton racquet, a paddleball racquet, a table tennis racquet, a racquetball racquet, and a squash racquet.

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an exemplary tennis racquet weight, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic side view, and FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic top view. In some embodiments, a racquet may include at least one of a head portion, a handle portion, and a joining portion. In many embodiments, the joining portion may be configured to join the head portion to the handle portion. The joining portion may include a void in some embodiments. In many embodiments, the weight may be configured to fit inside of the void. In the present embodiment, the weight may be made of weighted silicone. The silicone may be weighted by adding iron powder or iron flakes to the silicone. It is contemplated that a multiplicity of suitable materials may be added to the silicone in some alternate embodiments in order to add weight such as, but not limited to, powder, flakes or pellets of various different metals. Furthermore, other alternate embodiments may be made of different materials such as, but not limited to, various different plastics, rubber, various different metals, stone materials, ceramics, and combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that weights in some alternate embodiments may be made in a multiplicity of suitable shapes such as, but not limited to, circular discs, elliptical discs, spheres, cubes, and combinations thereof. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the weight is not shaped cylindrically. In the present embodiment, the weight may include slots 101 into which straps are placed to enable the weight to be attached to a racquet, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. In some alternate embodiments, straps may be attached to the weight using any suitable means including, without limitation, snaps, hooks, rings, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the weight may include a mass. In the present embodiment, the weight may include a mass of approximately 5 ounces. In some embodiments, the mass may be about half the weight of a typical tennis racquet. A suitable range for the mass of the weight includes, but is not limited to, between 1 through 10 ounces.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary tennis racquet weight 201 installed on a tennis racquet 205, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, weight 201 is universal in its design to be able to easily attach to virtually any tennis racquet using elastic, heavy duty straps 210 of hook and loop material. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that a multiplicity of suitable joining mechanisms may be used in some alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, a straps, a snap, a buckle, a non-elastic strap, a hook and loop material, a clip, a magnet, and combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the joining mechanism may be configured to join the weight to the joining portion of the racquet. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the joining mechanism does not include any kind of screwed attachment means. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the joining mechanism does not require any modification of the racquet. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the joining mechanism does not irreversibly damage the racquet. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the joining mechanism does not screw into the racquet. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the joining mechanism does not grip by slotting into an edge the racquet.

In typical use of the present embodiment, weight 201 is placed in a center of racquet 205 adding about 50% to the body weight of racquet 205 yet only 20% to the swing weight because of the center placement. Placement of weight 201 elsewhere on racquet 205, for example, without limitation, on the head portion or on the handle portion, may result in causing racquet 205 to be off balance. Weight 201 is typically used for warm up before a match or for practicing. Typically a user starts out with half swings at half speed with racquet 205 and slowly builds up to full swings at no more than 75% speed. The user may simply swing racquet 205 with weight 201 attached, or, since weight 201 generally does not interfere with strings 215 or the balance of racquet 205 and weight 201 is held on with heavy duty straps 210, the user is typically able to hit balls with racquet 205 with weight 201 attached. The weight 201 may help the user to stretch out and strengthen the muscles used in the sport, to build muscle memory and to increase swing speed, which may result in stronger serves and strokes. Using the weight 201 may also improve the flexibility of the user by enabling the user to perform a full shoulder turn that is difficult to achieve by lifting weights. The design and placement of weight 201 may also provide shock absorption while hitting because of the flexible straps 210 and silicone, which may help tennis elbow and other pains or injuries. Once the user has warmed up, weight 201 may be easily removed from racquet 205 so that the user may use racquet 205 as usual in a match.

FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate an exemplary tennis racquet weight that fits on the outside of a tennis racquet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a top perspective view. FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic top view, and FIG. 3D is a diagrammatic side view. In the present embodiment, the weight may include a plurality of walls 301. A suitable range for a number of walls includes, but is not limited to, 2 through 10. In many embodiments, the plurality of walls may be configured to form a trapezoidal or triangular shape. In some embodiments, the shape may have a portion that is hollow. In many embodiments, the trapezoidal shape may be configured to slide past handle portion to the joining portion. In some embodiments, the weight may be made of flexible silicone. In many embodiments, the weight may fit snugly on the racquet. When the racquet is swung, centrifugal force may hold the weight in place. The weight may be made of a weighted material such as, but not limited to, silicone with iron powder, rubber, metal, and combinations thereof. Once the weight is attached to a racquet, a user may use the weighted racquet to warm up or practice. Some alternate embodiments that are attached to the outside of the racquet may be implemented to wrap around the racquet rather than sliding over the racquet.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that some alternate embodiments may comprise various different features such as, but not limited to, wind resistance reducing holes, whistles, speed indicators, lights for tracking the motion of the swing, and combinations thereof. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented as a heavy tennis racquet in one piece. Some embodiments of the present invention may be available in various different colors and may display embellishments such as, but not limited to, brand names, logos, and images.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a tennis racquet weight according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the weight may vary depending upon the particular type of attachment method used. The weights described in the foregoing were directed to implementations with smooth edges; however, similar techniques are to provide weights with flexible or adhesive edges to further secure the weights to the racquet. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may comprise rubberized or foam edges on the weights to provide a gripping surface between the weights and the racquets. Implementations of the present invention with various different types of gripping means are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. 

1. A weight for a racquet, the racquet including a head portion, a handle portion, and a joining portion, the joining portion being configured to join the head portion to the handle portion, the weight comprising: a weight, said weight being operable to be removably joined at least partially to the joining portion of the racquet, said weight not being configured with a join mechanism that requires the racquet to be structurally modified to work, said weight being further configured to fit within a central portion of the racquet.
 2. The weight of claim 1, in which said a weight is removably joined to the racquet by a removable joining mechanism, said removable joining mechanism being configured to minimize significant differential motion between the racquet and said joined weight, which significant differential motion could be detrimental to the inertial performance of the racquet during use.
 3. The weight of claim 1, said weight being configured to at least partially absorb a shock, the shock created when the head portion strikes an object.
 4. The weight of claim 1, in which said weight comprises a mass of about 4 through 6 ounces.
 5. The weight of claim 1, in which a mass of said weight comprises about 50% of a body weight of the racquet.
 6. The weight of claim 1, in which the weight comprises silicone.
 7. The weight of claim 6, in which the silicone comprises metallic flakes.
 8. The weight of claim 1, in which said weight is joined to the racquet with a joining mechanism.
 9. The weight of claim 1, in which said weight does not have a cylindrical shape.
 10. A weight for a racquet, the racquet including a head portion, a handle portion, and a joining portion, the joining portion being configured to join the head portion to the handle portion, the weight comprising: a weight, said weight joined at least partially to the joining portion of the racquet, said weight comprising a plurality of walls, said plurality of walls being configured to fit within a central portion of the racquet; and a joining mechanism, said joining mechanism being configured to join said weight to the central racquet portion, and being further configured to minimize any significant differential motion between the racquet and said joined weight, which significant differential motion could be detrimental to the inertial performance of the racquet during use.
 11. The weight of claim 10, in which said joining mechanism further comprises a hook and loop material.
 12. The weight of claim 10, said weight being configured to at least partially absorb a shock, the shock created when the head portion strikes an object.
 13. The weight of claim 10, in which said weight comprises a mass of about 4 through 6 ounces.
 14. The weight of claim 10, in which a mass of said weight comprises about 50% of a body weight of the racquet.
 15. The weight of claim 10, in which the weight comprises silicone.
 16. The weight of claim 15, in which the silicone comprises metallic flakes.
 17. The weight of claim 10, in which said joining mechanism comprises at least one magnet.
 18. The weight of claim 10, said weight being configured to it inside of a void in the joining portion.
 19. A weight for a racquet, the racquet including a head portion, a handle portion, and a joining portion, the joining portion being configured to join the head portion to the handle portion, the weight comprising: and means for joining a weight at least partially to the joining portion.
 20. The weight of claim 19, further comprising means for joining said weight at least partially to the joining portion. 